8 Indian fishermen held for poaching in Sri Lankan waters

A Fast Attack Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command, on routine patrol, apprehended 8 Indian fishermen along with a fishing trawler for poaching in the Sri Lankan territorial waters northeast of Vettalakerni in the early hours of yesterday (05th November 2017).

But, a news item from the PTI states that arrested the 8 Indian fishermen who were from Akarapettai in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu and were apprehended near Neduntheevu (Delft) island.

According to Sri Lankan Navy, arrested 8 Indian poachers were brought to the naval base, SLNS Uttara in Kankesanthurai and subsequently handed over to the Assistant Fisheries Director of Jaffna for legal action.

The seized trawler and fishing gear were retained at SLNS Elara in Karainagar.

Also, on 2nd November, thirteen Indian poachers from Tami l Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy when they were poaching near Neduntheevu.

The PTI news item states that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami had on October 27 urged the Centre to take steps to secure the release of 54 fishermen and 140 fishing boats from Sri Lanka.